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When Mystic Christmas premiered on Hallmark Channel in 2023, anyone familiar with Mystic probably recognized many places. That’s because the movie was actually filmed here. Mystic Aquarium, Olde Mistick Village, Mango’s Wood-Fired Pizza Co., Sift Bake Shop, and Mystic Seaport Museum all appear in the film, and most are shown under their real names.

The movie also borrowed from things that really happen here at Christmas. Mystic has a Lighted Boat Parade, Santa arrives downtown by tugboat, Olde Mistick Village puts up more than half a million lights, and Mystic Seaport Museum holds its own holiday celebration each December. The snow in the movie may have been fake, but much of the rest of it wasn’t.

The Whaler’s Inn is in downtown Mystic, close to several places you’ll recognize from the film. If you’re curious where Mystic Christmas was filmed, or you want to plan a trip around the movie and Mystic’s real holiday events, here’s what to know.

Mystic Christmas: quick facts

• Network and premiere: Hallmark Channel, October 28, 2023
• Stars: Jessy Schram, Chandler Massey, Patti Murin and William R. Moses
• Director: Marlo Hunter
• Production company: Synthetic Cinema International, based in Rocky Hill, Connecticut
• Filmed: Spring 2023, primarily in Mystic, with additional filming in nearby Groton
• Where to watch: Hallmark+, with additional Hallmark Channel airings depending on the current schedule

What Is Mystic Christmas About?

Juniper Jones (Jessy Schram) is a globe-trotting marine veterinarian who isn’t particularly interested in putting down roots. A favor for her friend Candice Adams (Patti Murin) brings her to Mystic, where she takes a temporary position working with the marine mammal rehabilitation program and an injured harbor seal named Peppermint. Her stay also puts her back in the orbit of Sawyer Adams (Chandler Massey), Candice’s brother and the owner of a local pizza shop, with whom Juniper has some unfinished romantic history.

Peppermint is played by Cork, a real Atlantic harbor seal at Mystic Aquarium. Cork came through the aquarium’s rescue program in 2013 and became a permanent resident. The movie’s emphasis on marine mammal rescue also has a basis in reality: Mystic Aquarium operates an Animal Rescue Program that responds to stranded and injured marine mammals and sea turtles.